Donna Gross Javel

I have always had a passion for teaching. My piano studio has included a variety of students ranging from beginners to advanced, young children to adults. Some of my students go on to become professional pianists; some come back to piano as adults looking for a hobby that sustains them emotionally, while others discover the magic of touching the keys for the very first time. I enjoy teaching students of all ages and all levels; each age and level has its own special challenges and rewards. My goal is to provide my students with a strong foundation in music so that they can enjoy the gift of music throughout their lives. One of the things I love about teaching privately is having the opportunity to work closely with each student. Every student is unique and I enjoy searching for creative ways to deepen each student's understanding of, and their connection to, the music they are playing. My students participate in workshops and studio recitals as well as their weekly private lessons. Interested students and those who qualify also have the opportunity to participate in RCM exams, competitions, festivals, and other recitals during the year. My adult students enjoy the flexible scheduling options I offer them whereas the children are on a fixed schedule based on semesters. Some of the skills that we explore during lessons and workshops: The Structure of Music: theory, form, phrasing, chords Technique: physical dexterity, identifying and playing patterns - scales, chords, arpeggios Dictation: rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic Relative Pitch Recognition: recognizing patterns (singing and playing them), singing, solfege The Creative Process: improvising, arranging composing Musical Interpretation: accessing and expressing emotions, imagery, stories, historical context Time Management: learning to use time effectively, setting realistic goals, effective practice strategies